By CESAR JOLITO III

Thirty-nine newly hired non-uniformed personnel (NUP) formally joined the police service in the Negros Island Region (NIR) following an oath-taking ceremony held Tuesday, March 17, at Kanlaon Hall, Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania.

The ceremony was led by Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) – NIR, and attended by members of the command group, regional staff, police personnel, and the families of the successful applicants.

The newly sworn-in personnel successfully passed a rigorous screening and recruitment process prior to their appointment.

Of the total number, three were assigned to the Bacolod City Police Office, 10 to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, four to the Siquijor Police Provincial Office, and 22 to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office.

In his address, Ibay underscored the crucial role of non-uniformed personnel in ensuring the efficiency of police operations and community programs, noting that their contributions are vital despite not wearing police uniforms.

“While you may not wear the police uniform, the roles you perform are equally vital in ensuring that the Philippine National Police [PNP] functions effectively and efficiently,” he said.

He emphasized that joining government service entails not just employment but a commitment to uphold public trust, professionalism and accountability. He also reminded the new personnel that their responsibilities demand integrity, honesty and a strong sense of duty.

The oath-taking marks the beginning of their service in support of the PNP’s mission to deliver responsive and people-centered policing across the region.

PRO-NIR said the addition of new personnel is expected to further strengthen administrative and operational support within the organization, contributing to more efficient public service delivery and enhanced peace and order efforts./CJ, WDJ